By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
Aaron Rhymer of Decatur will become the newest member of the city’s redevelopment commission when 2025 kicks off January 1.
Rhymer was chosen at a recent meeting of city council and will replace Jason Bird, who asked to step down.
The 1994 Bellmont High School grad and his brother, Chris Rhymer, are owners/operators of Van Wert, Ohio-based Dedicated Fleet Logistics.
“I was approached to join the redevelopment commission because I have business management experience and knowledge in areas of budgeting,” Rhymer told WZBD.com “I see a great deal of potential in our community and feel I have ideas that will help improve our small town.”
“I want to ensure this community continues to grow stronger and grow in opportunities for our younger population.”
Rhymer will join Craig Russert – just appointed to a new term by council – Ron Storey, Jeremy Friedt and Tim Ehlerding on the commission.
The Decatur native has a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from Western Governs University and an associate degree in IT Project Management from University of Phoenix.
The brothers bought the company in Van Wert in March of 2022.
“I started there full-time overseeing operations in February of 2023,” Aaron said. Prior to that, he worked in manufacturing at Silberline Manufacturing and Bunge in Decatur.
Aaron and his wife, Sarah, have been married for 16 years and are the parents of two children, Cooper, 15, and Sydney, 13.
His mother, Glena Rhymer, is also a native of Decatur.
Rhymer and Karie Vrablic, general manager/owner of the Java Been Coffee Shop in downtown Decatur, were candidates for the position.
“Both are forward thinking, own their own business and thus work with budgets, so either one would be a great asset (on the commission),” councilman Matt Dyer said.
After Rhymer was chosen, Dyer said: “We need to keep Karie in mind; we need other people for other boards.”
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